Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most effective ways to protect your personal assets and legitimize your business. But before taking that step, a common question arises: how much does it cost to get an LLC?
The cost of forming an LLC can vary depending on your state, the services you use, and whether you need extras like a registered agent or EIN application. In this article, we’ll break down the real cost of starting an LLC, what you can expect in each phase, and how Smart Filing helps make the process affordable and stress-free.
What Is an LLC and Why Form One?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a flexible business structure that offers liability protection similar to a corporation while keeping operations simple like a sole proprietorship. Forming an LLC separates your personal and business finances, shields your personal assets, and can also provide tax advantages depending on your situation.
Whether you're a freelancer, startup founder, or small business owner, forming an LLC can be a smart first step to growing your business with confidence.
Breaking Down the Costs to Get an LLC
So, how much does it cost to get an LLC? Let’s take a look at the different factors involved:
1. State Filing Fees
Every U.S. state has its own filing fee for registering an LLC. This is the base cost and the most significant part of your total expenses.
|
State |
Filing Fee |
|
Delaware |
$90 |
|
California |
$70 + $800 franchise tax |
|
Florida |
$125 |
|
Texas |
$300 |
|
New York |
$200 |
|
Wyoming |
$100 |
💡 On average, state filing fees range between $50 to $500.
These fees are paid directly to the Secretary of State or the appropriate state department when you submit your Articles of Organization (also called a Certificate of Formation in some states).
2. Annual/Biennial Fees and Franchise Taxes
Many states also require LLCs to pay annual or biennial report fees and, in some cases, franchise taxes. These are recurring costs that keep your LLC in good standing.
- California, for example, charges an $800 annual franchise tax.
- Illinois requires an annual report fee of $75.
- Nevada has an annual list and business license fee totaling around $350.
These fees vary significantly and should be factored into the long-term cost of maintaining your LLC.
3. Registered Agent Fees
Most states require an LLC to maintain a registered agent—a person or service responsible for receiving legal documents on your behalf. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose a professional service for privacy and compliance reasons.
- Cost range: $100–$300 per year
Smart Filing includes optional registered agent services with some LLC packages to help you stay compliant and avoid missing critical documents.
4. EIN Application Costs
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is necessary for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes. While the IRS offers EINs for free, using a filing service like Smart Filing can help ensure you do it correctly—especially if you’re also forming your LLC.
- DIY: $0 through IRS
- Through Smart Filing: Often bundled with your LLC application package for convenience
5. LLC Formation Services
If you choose not to file on your own, you can use a professional service like Smart Filing to handle the paperwork, ensure accuracy, and speed up the process.
- Basic service fees: $49–$199+
- Includes: State filing, EIN application, name check, compliance reminders, etc.
These fees can vary based on the features and add-ons you select. Many entrepreneurs find the cost worth it to avoid paperwork errors and save time.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While the upfront costs are easy to see, there are a few hidden costs that might catch new business owners off guard:
- Publication requirements: Some states like New York require you to publish your LLC formation in local newspapers (which can cost $100–$1,000).
- Name reservation fees: Optional in most states, but required in a few.
- Business licenses or permits: Depending on your industry and location, you may need additional permits that carry separate fees.
Total Cost Estimate to Get an LLC
Let’s look at a rough total for forming an LLC with and without a professional service:
|
Scenario |
Estimated Cost |
|
DIY in a low-fee state |
$50–$150 |
|
DIY in a high-fee state (e.g., CA) |
$300–$1,000+ |
|
Using Smart Filing |
$149–$499 (plus state fees) |
With Smart Filing, you can rest easy knowing everything is handled correctly the first time, avoiding delays and costly mistakes.
Why Use Smart Filing for Your LLC and EIN?
At Smart Filing, we simplify the entire LLC formation process—from start to finish. Here’s what you get:
✅ Fast and accurate filing
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✅ EIN application assistance
✅ Registered agent services (optional)
✅ Compliance reminders and ongoing support
We believe entrepreneurs should focus on building their businesses—not battling confusing state websites and government forms.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does It Cost to Get an LLC?
The cost to get an LLC depends on where you live, how you file, and what services you use. While the basic filing fees range from $50 to $500, the total cost may include registered agent fees, EIN services, and other necessary add-ons. Using a professional filing service like Smart Filing can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get it right from the start.
Ready to Form Your LLC?
Let Smart Filing take care of your LLC application and EIN in one simple process.